I really believe in using music that motivates you. If you’re doing a bellydance performance, and you want to really shine, pick the kinds of Arabic music that really make you smile. You know that drum solo that’s so cool it makes your mouth water? The oud solo that just makes you want to turn out the lights and dance it over and over… you get the idea.

What moves you will show in your dancing. What you feel in the music is what you will reflect as a dancer. Belly dancing is especially personal, and so is the perfect way to express what you want your audience to feel.

Me, I love a juicy drum solo, a great kanoun taxim, and some fabulous classical Egyptian orchestral pieces are at the top of my list. For a youger crowd, a bit of Pop Arabi – maybe even with Rap segments – adds a bit of spice.

You can also match your music to your costumes to a certain extent. Don’t wear a tight fitting skirt slit to the thigh if your dance has a ton of fan kicks in it unless you’re just dancing for a loved one! Full skirts work best for kicky dances. Think about these kinds of things when deciding what to put together for your performance.